Stamford Health has been named a Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital for 2026, placing the Fairfield County health system among 38 hospitals nationwide that represent the top 1% of overall performers.

The designation reflects a pattern of sustained recognition for Stamford Health. The system holds a five-star Overall Hospital Quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and an "A" safety grade from The Leapfrog Group. It also achieved Magnet Recognition status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the third time since 2016, placing it among 10.5% of U.S. hospitals and one of only seven in Connecticut to hold that distinction.

Rod Acosta, MD, Chief Physician Executive of Stamford Health, said, "Recognition from Castle Connolly reflects the unwavering dedication of our physicians and interdisciplinary teams who deliver exceptional, person-centered care to our patients every day. At Stamford Health, we are committed to earning the trust of the communities we serve by combining clinical excellence with compassion, respect, and an individualized approach to each patient's experience. I'm incredibly proud of the difference we make in the lives of our patients and families."

Clinical programming at the 305-bed Stamford Hospital spans orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurological, oncological, and musculoskeletal specialties. Orthopedic care is delivered through a collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS); cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures involve specialists from Columbia University Irving Medical Center; and oncology is supported through a collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

In 2025, Stamford Health was re-certified with Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care for the fourth time since 2014, joining roughly 100 organizations worldwide. U.S. News and World Report recognized Stamford Hospital's medical performance across 12 distinct areas, ranking it first in Fairfield County and fourth in Connecticut. The system serves as a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, integrating academic medicine with community-based care across its outpatient networks and specialized care units.